A bellcote, bell-cote or bell-cot is a small framework and shelter for one or more bells. Bellcotes are most common in
church architecture but are also seen on institutions such as schools. The bellcote may be carried on
brackets
A bracket is either of two tall fore- or back-facing punctuation marks commonly used to isolate a segment of text or data from its surroundings. Typically deployed in symmetric pairs, an individual bracket may be identified as a 'left' or ' ...
projecting from a wall or built on the roof of
chapel
A chapel is a Christian place of prayer and worship that is usually relatively small. The term has several meanings. Firstly, smaller spaces inside a church that have their own altar are often called chapels; the Lady chapel is a common typ ...
s or churches that have no towers. The bellcote often holds the
Sanctus bell that is rung at the
consecration of the
Eucharist
The Eucharist (; from Greek , , ), also known as Holy Communion and the Lord's Supper, is a Christian rite that is considered a sacrament in most churches, and as an ordinance in others. According to the New Testament, the rite was institu ...
.
The bellcote is mentioned throughout history books when referring to older structures and communities. ''Bromsgrove church: its history and antiquities'' is one example which goes into depth about the construction and maintenance of the bellcote
Bellcotes are also discussed in The Wiltshire Archæological and Natural History Magazine
Volume 8an
Proceedings of the Somersetshire Archaeological and Natural ..., Volume 29
Etymology
''Bellcote'' is a compound noun of the words ''bell'' and ''cot'' or ''cote''.
Bell#Etymology, ''Bell'' is self-explanatory. The word ''cot'' or ''cote'' is Old English, from the Germanic. It means a shelter of some kind, especially for birds or animals (see
dovecote
A dovecote or dovecot , doocot (Scots Language, Scots) or columbarium is a structure intended to house Domestic pigeon, pigeons or doves. Dovecotes may be free-standing structures in a variety of shapes, or built into the end of a house or ba ...
), a shed, or stall.
References
Church architecture
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